Coping with the Fear of Swallowing

[dessaley]

It's unfortunate that I have to suffer through this swallowing problem at 21 years old. Remember that old slogan, "Food is fun,"? Well, it became joyless struggling every day to eat. And struggling through weight loss and exhaustion. The Doctor says I'm healthy so it has to be mental (FYI, I go through anxiety disorders). I read a blog about the fear of swallowing which came up to be Phagophobia. I am 5'7, Female, and weigh 92. I was 17 and healthy now I'm 21 and going through this trauma after chocking on a pill and going through multiple panic attacks at the ER swallowing stuff that made my throat feel tight that I couldn't breathe. I don't know why now swallowing food became a problem. Does anyone struggle with phagophobia? If so, anything you guys did that helped you treat this fear? I need to gain weight in order to proceed with my doctor's plan... it's been more than 6 months and getting worse..

[Jeff1943]

From what you write and the fact that you've spent time with your doctor investigating the cause I would be certain this is anxiety disorder. Our nervous system can produce symptoms of great diversity I never cease to be amazed.

I haven't had what you have but I have had what's called Globus Hystericus years ago: the feeling that there's a ball stuck in your throat. So throats are fair game as far as anxiety is concerned.

There is a self help book that I think will bring understanding and the promise of respite and recovery for this and all your anxiety symptoms including the panic attacks. No, I do not have any financial interest in this book which is available new or used on Amazon and Ebay.

It will explain how by a method of temporary acceptance of your symptoms you can end the constant over-sensitisation of your nervous system caused by fear and constantly flooding your body with hormones that in excess cause fear such as cortisol and adrenaline.

The book was written 50 years ago and in that time it is responsibly claimed that it has cured tens of millions of people experiencing anxiety disorder.

The book is titled 'Self help for your nerves' in the UK and 'Hope and help for your nerves' in the U.S. (same book) and was written by Doctor Claire Weekes who was nominated for a Nobel Prize for her contribution to psychiatry. It is a short easy to read book devoid of too many medical terms.

Whether you read the book or not I do wish you a full recovery.

[dessaley in reply to Jeff1943]

Thank you Jeff I willc heck this book out. <3 i really need to get better. I'm always feeeling so sick and weak.. so weak opening a water bottle is impossible... it's embaressing.Also I didn't mention how it was hard for me to drink liquids too. So i believe it's all anxiety related and not a health concerning the throat..

[dessaley in reply to dessaley]

I will buy this book now! I have hope to return back to my normal life!! Thank you!!

[dessaley in reply to Jeff1943]

Just got the book today! ^^

[Jeff1943 in reply to dessaley]

Good luck with the book. It will bring you understanding, reassurance and a road to recovery. But recovery does not come just by reading the book but by practicing the method which is summed up by Face, Accept, Float and Let time pass.